We've made some changes to Ixcoin addressing issues raised since its release. This is a compulsory update otherwise your Ixcoin client will not communicate with other updated nodes after Sep 1rst 2011. The blockchain remains intact.

What's new in 0.3.24.1?

New Difficulty Retargeting Algorithm

A new difficulty adjustment algorithm will activate on block 20055. The current block count is 19968 so we should hit this count in about ~2 weeks. After that, difficulty retargets every 144 blocks (i.e. every 24 hours) with max increments of 10% and max decrements at 400% (like Solidcoin). The aim is to achieve a much more consistent block rate. (commit)

New Peering Marker

On Sept 1rst 2011 at 00:12:51 UTC (in under a week), the new client will switch over to a new Ixcoin-specific pchMessageStart peering marker from the original Bitcoin marker. This change was recommended by a few although we haven't had reports of any issues with this yet. Better safe than sorry. The updated Ixcoin nodes will not be able to communicate with non-updated Ixcoin clients after that date. (commit)

On Sept 1rst 2011 at 00:12:51 UTC (in under a week), the new client will switch over to a new Ixcoin-specific pchMessageStart peering marker from the original Bitcoin marker. This change was recommended by a few although we haven't had reports of any issues with this yet. Better safe than sorry. The updated Ixcoin nodes will not be able to communicate with non-updated Ixcoin clients after that date. (commit)

Will nodes have to be restarted at this time or will they automatically start using the new marker? I guess there will be a bit of churn around this time too as nodes with skewed clocks change early or late.